Tuesday, December 9, 2008

It is so funny, I read soooooo many blogs from other Moms all around the country. I get many different views and many different scenarios and I also get to read about their daily lives. I still shake my head at the people who actually choose to go to that stupid fast food chain that, in my vocabulary, is called McDisgusting. I can't stand it. I haven't had food, water, bathroom facilities from that place in over 15 years. I don't know why, but it just disgusts me. And, I don't know why, but for some reason, I think down on other people who actually eat there. It can't be good, or healthy, no matter how much they choose to offer different "sides" for the kids. I walk through the mall every now and then and *know* every option that a parent can buy for their child for a lunch or a snack, but they choose to buy those mcdisgusting nuggets that are made out of filler and gristle and think that it is actual chicken! Ugh! I don't know what happened to me that made me so anti-this establishment, but it makes me so mad! Why can't they go to Paradise Bakery and get a little PB&J sandwich? I'd rather give my baby a slice of bread than those mcnastys.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I know I won't have time to post tomorrow, so I might as well get it done today. Tomorrow is Brannan's second Thanksgiving, and this year he will be able to eat the turkey, the gravy and everything else on the table! Yeeehaw! I don't know why I like this holiday, maybe because I love to eat good food??? I guess so!

I've been shopping for a week now and think I have everything, but then realized I am having friends over for dinner tonight and am going to have to sacrifice a few of our staples for dinner tonight. That's fine though, the more the merrier.

I just with my sister and my parents were going to be here for Thanksgiving. That's ok, though, they are all healthy and happy, just in different parts of the country right now. I had such a great time with my sister in Chicago, I just wish she was here all the time - we have grown so much closer since Brannan's conception. It's kindof crazy.

So, now I have to finish off my Nanaimo dessert bars and make some sort of potato gratin for dinner tonight.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

This past weekend I went to see my sister in Chicago (without Brannan or Byron, yay! Not that I don’t love them or anything, just needed some time away) and we had a super duper awesome time.

We started out on Friday night at the most awesome oyster house in Chicago called Shaw’s Oyster House. I had 2 oysters (I’m not really into oysters, but my sis loves them) and then we had fish and chips and the most amazing scallops I’ve ever had in my life. They were about the size of Milk Duds and they tasted almost as sweet and they were smothered in butter! On top of all that, we had about 5 pomegranate martinis each and we quickly made friends with our neighbors at the bar. On one side, this super cool gay guy named Adam befriended us and even secured us seats at one of the hottest drag shows in Chicago for the next night. We also set up a date later that night to meet him at one of the hottest gay bars in “Boy’s Town”.

Well, my sister had already secured seats at the show “Wicked” for the night and I was really excited to see it. So, we had to exit the bar after about 3 hours of meeting and greeting everyone there. I was bummed to leave, but was really excited to go and see the show.

And, this show was truly awesome! The singers were so amazing and the sets and the dancers and just the whole scene made it so great! Not to mention, the story was great too! I highly suggest this show for anyone and everyone.

After the show, it was probably about 10pm and we decided that we were spent and couldn’t meet our new friend, Adam, out at the bar because we were so tired, so we headed back home.

The next morning, we had plans to see the city. We started off on the “Magnificent Mile” where all the shopping is and since my sister didn’t have any gloves or a hat, we decided that we needed to hit a little store for some cheapo gloves and a hat. We went to Walgreens (I had to go there anyway for some allergy medicine because her cat was making my allergies go crazy) but she didn’t see anything there that she wanted. So, we walked by Burberry, Coach, Talbots and other spendy shops. I suggested them all, then saw the Gap down the street. I said, “let’s stop in there, they should have something for you” so she said “yeah, that’s cool”.

I’ve never been into a Gap as busy as this one was. They actually had a DJ at the entrance! Madonna was BLARING over the speakers and it was so loud it was almost annoying. So, we wandered the store in search of gloves and a hat and I hit the sale rack in case they had some warmer weather stuff for really cheap and actually found a few items. We met up again and decided to hit the checkout line (which was really, really long) and an employee came up to us and said that the men’s department upstairs had more cash registers and the lines weren’t as long. (And, the bathrooms were up there too).

So we headed upstairs since I had to go there anyway and waited in line. After we paid for our items, the cashiers gave us each a raffle ticket to enter into their raffle. Ok, yeah, whatever, another raffle entry. They said that you could win a $1000 gift card. So, of course, we wrote our names on the back of the tickets and since I had to go to the bathroom, I sent my sister upstairs another flight to drop them into the raffle box. As we met up once again, I said, “man, wouldn’t it be cool to win a $1000 gift card???!???!!!”

So, we go about the rest of our day, see a photography exhibit, go to the top of the Sears Tower, eat an authentic Italian Beef sandwich and an authentic Chicago hot dog, then head on back to her apartment for a few glasses of wine and a nap. It is nearing 5:00 and we have plans to go and see the annual Christmas parade where they light up Michigan Avenue with all of their Christmas lights with a parade and end up walking a ton (hence the blisters on my toes). While we are walking around, though, her phone rang and I said, “hey, maybe it is the Gap letting you know that you won the raffle!” Yeah, ha ha. She said, yeah, ha ha, I’ll check anyway. She checks, it isn’t them, so we watch the parade then go to Frontera Grill for super yummy margaritas and some super yummy appetizers.

We hit another few bars and at about 9:30 we are calling it quits (we started early and we had awesome sister time and spent a LOT of money!) so we head on back to the apartment.

I left my cell phone at the apartment hooked up to the charger since it was losing juice and as we came in, I grabbed it to see if I got any calls, and it said I had 2 new voicemails. Hmm, I freak out for a millisecond wondering if Brannan is ok, and dial into my voicemail.

The next thing I hear is “Hi, this is Julie from the Gap, please give me a call back.”

What the?????

I screamed at my sister – “NO WAY!!!! Do you think I won????”

I don’t even wait for her to answer and listen to the next message: “Hi, this is Jared from the Gap, please give me a call back.”

HOLY CRAP!

I call Jared back immediately and he said I WON!!!!!!

I WON THE GIFT CARD!!!!!! Can you believe it???? ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS at the GAP!

I scream a ton and scare my sister’s neighbors and jump up and down for about 10 minutes.

I felt like I won the lottery! Man, $1000 is going to buy a LOT of clothes at the Gap!

Thank you Gap Gods for shining down on me during this time of recession….

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Well, now you are 13 Months old. You are getting so big and you are growing at an alarming rate. Well, not like you have a huge head or your legs are totally disproportionate or anything like that, it is just that you are growing so fast, I can't believe it. You actually *know* a lot of the things that I say to you, like "c'mon buggy, let's get out of this room" or "let's get outta here" or "time to go to the gym". It is just crazy how you are understanding us more and more.

We took you on your first cruise a couple of weeks ago. Yes, you were a Concierge Class Baby on Celebrity Cruises. Yes, you got your evening canapes and you got your crib turned down (most of the time)and you ran and ran up and down the buffet floor like there was no tomorrow. You ate lots of watermelon and canteloupe and you even had some of the "Pass-O-Guava" juice that they love to put in the dispensers. You didn't like that so much. Your cousin coerced you into trying smoked salmon, which you surprisingly liked. Even though Mom and Dad don't like it at all. You were very good overall during the vacation - probably because we deprived you of many, many naps.

Now we are home and Daddy is gone on a hunting vacation. He has been gone a long time. Almost 7 days now and it feels like an eternity. He is so good with you when he comes home from work. I was just telling your Grandma that he watches you eat dinner, cleans you up after dinner, takes you on evening walks, does you night bath and then reads you stories and puts you to bed. And that is *every* night! What a Daddy! He is awesome! That leaves me some time to do the dishes or clean up whatever has been going on in the house. But now, that he is on vacation, it is really hard to do. But, he will be home soon and we are looking very forward to it.

Well, now you are in a "big boy" seat in the car. It faces forward and you like it a lot more than your rear-facing carseat. Although you are getting really cranky riding in the car most of the times. I'm not sure why, but I'm NOT giving you a passifier to soothe you. It is against all rules. Sorry buddy.

Anyway, just wanted to catch up and say hi this month. I have to go and get some work done now. Or maybe I just need to relax for like 30 minutes...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Well, we have had a ton of things happening lately. We have been to New Hampshire for a wedding (on your official birthday) then we had relatives in town for your impromptu birthday and then we had a party on this past Sunday. It was pretty fun. We had an afternoon of cake and gifts and some yummy eating. You had lots of fun running around and eating nothing of nutritional value except probably that one cheese stick that I happened to give you while socializing. Well, that's ok, it was your first birthday.

Some friends were kindof bummed that Grandma and Pappy didn't show up for your birthday. Honestly, I was a little bummed too. They claimed that they thing we "saw enough of each other" this past weekend, but you know what, I don't think that grandparents can ever see enough of their grandbabies. I know, one day, when you have kiddos of your own, I will want to babysit all the time and try to help your wife with all of her baby question (but will try not to be the nasty MIL). Anyway, I digress and am getting way too ahead of myself. You are only 1! You better not be thinking of having any babies anytime soon! You little rascal.

You are a little rascal. You have resorted to throwing things over the baby gate that we have installed between our living room and our kitchen/dining room area. I know you need attention when you start chucking things over that gate. It is kinda funny and neat to watch you develop this way. You have learned that you can get our attention by throwing bricks of Legos onto the Saltillo tile floor. You really just want to walk around with us in the kitchen area while we are making you a snack or making you dinner or going through our mail. But, baby, sometimes that isn't always possible. Sometimes you need to be corraled up in that area so you don't play in the dog water dishes. Sometimes you don't need to be eating the leftovers you threw on the floor at breakfast. But, mainly, we just want you to be safe. Sorry, child!

I love being home with you all day and taking you out on our little errands. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are my little Secret. One day I will tell you about this little Secret, although it is quite popular in our culture these days. You know, I kindof think of this little diary as a time capsule for you. I hope one day you will read this and know how much I love you. How scared I was at first with you and how my love for you grew and grew into something that is immeasurable.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Your birthday is coming up. In fact it is in less than 12 days. I can't believe that it has been almost a whole year since you came into my life. I have been having the best time with you lately, although it has been quite hectic. We went back East to visit relatives a couple of weekends ago and since Daddy didn't come with us, it was fun navigating the airport, the security screening and the flight all by ourselves. Even though we got to fly first-class on our way home, you didn't seem to want to sit for 4 hours in a seat. That's ok though, we made it through just fine and you weren't the screaming baby on the plane that everyone secretly despises.

We are going on another trip on the weekend of your birthday, although it isn't to celebrate your birthday. We are going to a wedding (back East yet again) but this time Daddy and our best friends will all be on the flight with us so they can help if you get restless.

You have been walking a lot lately and even have been getting the courage to leave the couch to walk to one of us on your own. It is really neat to watch you do this. We are really working on your swimming abilities. We are going to sign you up to take the next class at the local pool. It is fun to do this with you too. You are turning into a little toddler slowly but surely. We have even been weening you from your pacifier. It isn't hard to do because you are so agreeable and such a good baby, but every now and then you need that soothing. That's ok by me. Daddy has been doing a wonderful job of sending you to bed for the night without one though. I guess I'm a little softer and send you to naps with it. You are getting to be a big boy though and soon you won't need them. Perhaps we should store them away for your next brother or sister.

Otherwise, we are preparing for your birthday. We will most likely have a little party at Grandma and Pappy's house the weekend after we come back from our trip. We'll let you smash your hands into the cake and do all that fun stuff. I'm excited to get you some new toys too!

We have so many things planned for the end of 2008. I'm sure it will be eventful and fun for you and our whole little family.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Oh Boy, I am so sorry that I have not written in so long. You have been such an amazing creature that I don't even want to be on the computer. And, even if I am on the computer, I really do have to do work, so I usually limit the time. Anyway, you have been doing so much lately. It seem like I haven't written since you were 7 months old. So sorry!!! Anyway, now you are 10 months old and you are a crazy little baby! You have 4 teeth and 2 more coming in, you can crawl everywhere and you totally love to crawl on the Saltillo tile that we have all over the house. You are eating everything on your own now, and you really don't like us to feed you anymore. It is like you are just totally your own person now. I can't even believe it. I really wanted this space to show your progressions, but it seems that I have been so involved with you every day (and all the free time I do have is done working so I don't want to waste it on the computer).

Anyway, you are so awesome. We went on our first swim lesson last night. We sang fun songs like "motorboat motorboat" and stuff like that. You put your head right in the water like you usually do. You are fearless. And totally cute. And adorable. And the best thing that ever happened to me!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

We just got back from a fun family trip to Big Bear, CA. It was great. We rented a nice "cabin" in town with a bunch of other people. My man went mountian biking all weekend and I hung out with the baby and looked around town, took him to the lake, had him dip his toes in (it was really cold and he pulled his feet up immediately), we took him to "The Village" and listened to some really bad karaoke. I really enjoyed the weather, it was perfect. I would've slept with the windows open all night if we didn't have the baby in the room with us. It was about 75 degrees outside every day and just chilly enough to wear a jacket at night. Just perfect.

Then, we had to drive home. We had to drive back to this hot, hot city. Driving through the desert between Big Bear and Phoenix, we saw the temperature register on our dashboard at 112 degrees. I can't stand this heat. I can't wait to get out of this town. I'm so ready.

But, the trip was fantastic. It was the first long drive for the baby, and he did just great for most of the trip, but the last hour was a little tough for him. He didn't like being strapped into his car seat for 6 hours at a time. But, he is going to have to learn to like it because we spend a lot of time in the car trying to get out of the city and go somewhere more bearable.

During our trip, we did a lot of playing and the baby is getting so ready to crawl. He is pulling himself up on to his knees and lunging forward towards things, it is so great! We shared the "cabin" with 6 other adults and no children, and *everyone* said that they were so impressed because he is such a great baby and no one heard him cry the whole entire weekend. Well, he did cry once, but that was because Daddy was using the bulb on his stuffed-up nose. I was elated to hear other people praise the baby and us. They were saying that the baby's behavior was a reflection of Mommy and Daddy. Kind words from kind people. It was nice. Also, one of the women there just learned that she is preggos. She is only 6 weeks along, but I was so excited for her, I even brought her a gift. Her first gift of the pregnancy. I hope it goes very well for her, she and her man are very special people.

This weekend is Memorial Day. I'm not sure what we are going to do yet. It depends on if the husband has to work or not. I hope he doesn't have to work and we can go camping and do something fun.

Monday, April 28, 2008

I have been so bad about keeping up with this blogging lately. I really wanted to do more, to document more, but it seems that when the baby is napping, I'm trying to get work done. I really have had no time to poke around on the internet like I used to. It's kindof crazy. But, I should make it a part of my every day so I can remember just what is happening these days.

First, baby's bottom two teeth have popped out! I can't believe it. I have told so many girlfriends how I am going to miss his "gummy" smile. It was sooo dang cute. But, these little teeth are cute too, and it's just another stage in life that I'm going to have to get used to.

We've stopped swaddling him during naps and at night. He has responded very well to this, but he manages to wedge himself up in the corner of his crib all the time, it is pretty funny.

He has gotten super good at rolling over from back to tummy and tummy to back. We're still waiting for the signs of crawling though. None yet.

He is super smiley and is overall a good baby. He's eating lots of people food like butternut squash, acorn squash, zuchinni, yellow squash, pears, apples, and even Grandma's meatballs! Oh, and he had some rice on Friday night too. He seemed to like that.

His Auntie came to visit this past weekend. She had fun with him and she played with him a lot, it was cool to see. I hope he has a really good bond with her, unlike the bonds with relatives I have. I don't really have bonds with my relatives, so I really hope that his life is a little different. I don't regret it, we have tons of wonderful friends, but we moved away from our relatives when we were very small, so we didn't have a lot of contact with them. So, our way of solving this problem is to call everyone "auntie" and "uncle". That's way cool with me! Some real uncles I'd rather not introduce him to anyway...

I came down with more of my diverticulitis this weekend. That just reminds me that I need to do more research on it. It is a terrible pain, but the good thing about it is that I don't want to eat so I lost like 4 lbs this weekend! Sweet!

That's what's been going on. Oh, did I mention that I LOVE my job??? I do...

Thursday, April 10, 2008

I just got through my two email accounts and I received about 10 notifications that my baby is 7 months old now. Today. Today is the day, 7 months ago, that we drove to the hospital to be induced. 7 months ago, we sat in a very nice birthing room, watching my favorite movie, Anchorman, laughing and waiting. I remember being so hungry and all I could think about was a sandwich from The Picnic Company, one of my favorite little shops in that area. But then I remember all the horror stories that I read about people throwing up because of the pain, or more horrifying, pooping while you are pushing. So, I pushed my sandwich thoughts aside for thoughts about the big moment when my baby would arrive.

So, we waited and waited. It was a long day. Although it would all be over at 6:35 PM. That's when he would arrive. But, around 3 PM I could tell that my husband was getting restless. I told him to go out and do something. He doesn't like to sit around and watch tv. I dozed in and out of sleep because I got my epidural about noon. It was awesome. Of course, people would come in and out of the room, give me the obligatory check (i've never had so many pelvic exams in one day ever), and check my monitors. The baby didn't want to show up on the monitor, so I had to keep shifting positions and shifting the monitors.

After months of waiting and reading about delivery, it was here! I was scared and nervous and elated and really scared.

Monday, April 7, 2008

So, I got fired on Friday. It was totally unexpected. I'm 33 years old and have never been fired before in my life. But, the craziest thing about it - I wasn't sad! I have been sortof secretly hoping that I'd get fired. I was hoping for an awesome severance package, and the weight to be cut free from around my neck that was sinking me deeper and deeper into the ocean of boredom. But, it happened, and I was pretty happy about it. Supposedly I have been given another option about working from home. I'm really excited about that. Even though I'll still be associated with the company, at least I don't have to go into the office and face people I really don't like to do. I'm supposed to be getting a formal contract at some point today.

The coolest thing?

I get to be with my baby ALL THE TIME!!!

The saddest thing?

I really am going to miss the girls at daycare. I'm going to go visit them today and to thank them for everything.

Friday, April 4, 2008

So, a co-worker just came by my desk and we were chatting about nothing really when she told me a story about a girlfriend of hers who had a whole room devoted to her wigs. Wow! Wigs? I decided that I need to start a collection of wigs. They are probably expensive though. No matter! How fun would it be to go out and just be someone different for a couple of hours? Even if it is to dinner with the husband and the baby! What if I went to a company dinner with a fancy wig? That'd be fun!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

I'm really proud of myself. Yesterday I stood up for what I really wanted. I told this person how I felt and how I wanted things to be. I'm not sure if I am going to get my way, but at least I did it! I usually let people walk all over me and say "yes, ok" to everything that comes my way (at least I do at work). But you know what, yesterday I said I wasn't happy with the decisions that were being made about me. I said that I was going to feel confined and basically not good if things went the way that others wanted them to be. I hope it really turns out good for me.

But, in the meantime, I have to go to a dentist appointment tonight and get a crown put on my tooth! Ick. I'm not afraid of the dentist or anything, it's really just a pain to have to do. It takes time out of my life and I'd rather just be hanging out with my baby. Yanno?

Otherwise, my MIL is in town for the week. It has been fairly drama-free. Although she has her share of drama at home. I am trying to help her with her drama but, it is hard to do because I don't know all the facts. Whatever - I think my HB doesn't even want to deal with it. But, really, my only motivation to help her out is because I don't want her knocking on my door in ten years when she is totally penniless and sick and in hospice or something and we'll have to help her. Well, I guess she wouldn't be knocking on my door if she was in hospice, but you get my drift.

It's just terrible to watch someone being taken advantage of and you can't do a thing about it. I often wonder how she gets through life. There are so many things that she doesn't even know, like what a "flauta" is, or what brand of tequila is good and what brand is bad.

She just called me and said "Brannan ate my whole banana!" How cute. He's getting so big now and eating all sorts of people food. I'm going to go out and get him some O's this weekend.

I need to get back to work, lots to do today. And, I'm in a good mood because I'm so happy for myself! But then I just remembered my dentist appointment. Ugh. That's ok though!

Friday, March 28, 2008

This morning Squeaks busted out of his swaddler. Well, really only one arm, but he wasn't wearing any PJ's because it is getting quite warm at night now, so his little arm was sticking out and his belly was exposed. So, it was still pretty early, like 5am, and so I un-velcroed his swaddler and wrapped it around his belly to let his arms go free. He doesn't sleep very well without being swaddled, and I was already wide awake, so I thought i'd try it out for an hour. Well, he promptly did some stretches , rubbed his little eyes and then put his arms over his head like he was signaling a field goal. He slept like this for another hour and a half. It was so dang cute that I had to stand there for at least 5 minutes, laughing in my head, before I turned on his little light to wake him up for the day.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Ok, I haven't been able to vent in such a long time! I've been so super busy, it's just been crazy. But, that's a likely excuse, right? Well, let's just start if off with last weekend, where I was in the hospital all weekend long! What a crappy weekend that was. First, I had to miss the annual St. Patrick's Day party at our friends house. This is the 2nd one I've missed because the year before, I was preggo and I couldn't drink! boo hoo. Anyway, I came down with a nasty case of diverticulitis and went ahead and perforated my intestine. My left side of my abdomen was really hurting that whole week and I decided I needed to go to the doctor on Friday. Well, they wouldn't even see me in their office, they said "do not pass Go, go directly to the ER." I figured they'd give me a prescription for some antibiotics and send me on my way. But, by about 7pm, they decided that I needed to be admitted, unfortunately. So, I spent my whole weekend in the hospital. It blew.

I missed Monday at work because I still wasn't feeling up to par by then, so I used a sick day. But, I finally recovered and went back to work.

This past weekend was super crazy, although it didn't involve any hospitals, thank goodness. We went up to the cabin on Friday night and then went to a party at Rick and Nancy's on Saturday. It was fun, but a bit strange. I got sucked in to the family dramas, which was fun, but I'm sure glad none of that stuff happens to us. Then, there was a landslide that covered our quickest route home, so it ended up taking us 3 hours to get home instead of the usual 1 hour. I was pissed off because I had to drive and couldn't drink. And, my man wanted to keep staying later and later and later. Finally I just had to put my foot down and tell him we were leaving. Ugh. So, then we finally got home (at 2:30AM!!!) went straight to bed and were awakened at 6AM by Squeaks. Of course. Then, I had so much to do, I had to cook side dishes and pound cake and go to the grocery store, it was just nutty.

Anyway, it's Monday again, and the start to a new week. The MIL is due to come in on Saturday. another ugh. Hopefully those days will fly by too. I have no idea what we are going to do with her. I hope she doesn't want to watch the baby, but I'm leaving all those details up to Byron. Maybe she'll just want to hang out in the backyard and tan. She likes to do that a lot. But, more later...

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Yesterday our little bugger had his 6 month checkup. The poor thing had to have 4 shots (2 in each leg) and one oral dose of something. He was super tired after the ordeal and I was too because it took over 2 hours to get out of the stupid office! I couldn't believe it. Plus, the nurses were quite dumb. I had to show her how to tare out the stupid scale. Whatever - it was a nightmare. But, when I got home, daddy had to take a nap because he worked the overnight shift last night, so I was watching him, but the little guy just kept whining all night. He went to bed super early and I knew that he would wake up in the middle of the night wanting a bottle because he didn't eat anything before bed. Well, he is feeling better today, so that's good.

This past weekend we took the little guy sledding. It was fun. I'm not sure he had too much fun, but we just needed to get out of the house for a little bit. We then dropped in on some friends who live in Payson, and it ended up being a late day. They are really fun to hang out with and they have done so many improvements on their house, they had to show us everything!

Friday, March 7, 2008

It seems like from the moment I get home from work and picking up the baby from daycare, daddy and I are fighting for the baby's attention. I try very, very hard to let baby and dad have quality time, but it seems like they'll go on FOREVER and not let me have any time! The other day, I let dad and baby play in the other room, change clothes, giggle, do whatever they were doing, so I washed dishes and mixed up a little bowl of veggies for the baby's dinner. So, then they sweep into the room, pick up the little bowl and proceed to have dinner! Without me! I wanted to feed the baby! (stamping of feet and frowny face)! We have such little time with him after work and before he goes to bed, its absurd. Then, he goes to bed and I'm lost. Don't know what to do. I pick up the few toys that got scattered about and wash the leftover bottles, but then I have like 2 hours before I go to bed. Daddy goes straight to the computer and I'm just sitting there. I've tried to keep the baby up longer, but he's just too tired. I guess when he gets a little older, he'll want to stay up later. Until then, I just look forward to the weekends when we get to hang out.

Tonight we are going to go on an art walk with some friends and their baby. It should be interesting. This art walk isn't the typical art walk - it's like a Grateful Dead show gone nutty. There are people making electricity on bikes, people selling grilled cheeses and Pabst beer, people selling hubcap art, bottlecap art, any kind of art possible. It's fun, and crowded. I made the mistake last time of bringing the stroller because the baby was too small to sit up on his own. I couldn't even stroll on the sidewalks, it was so crowded! I ended up in the street. But, now the baby can hold his head up and we are going to bring the baby backpack! It should be fun.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Last week I went out with a co-worker for a few happy hour drinks. We started to talk about "The Secret" movie and book and how the power of positive thinking really does work. Actually, the owner of the company I work for gave me the movie to watch at home, and I thought it was pretty cool. This was WAY before Oprah made it the 'book of the month' and totally destroyed it for everyone. Ok, well, it wasn't destroyed, but Oprah made it so damn popular, it just got insane. I think I saw it a year before she did - not to brag or anything. But anyway, my friend was telling me how she saw the movie years ago and how it really changed her life. It even brought back her ex-husband into her life and they just got re-married. I hope that their marriage lasts. Anyway, back to positive thinking - so yesterday I wrote about how we are going to try to get the baby to sleep through the night - well guess what - he did!!! I was so dang excited!

I told my man about what I had been reading yesterday (establishing routines, letting him cry it out, etc) and told him I wanted to give it a shot. So, while I went to the gym, daddy gave him some green beans and squash that I made for him, and a bottle, then after I got home, we played a little and he had a small night-night bottle that had some rice ceral in it. He was super tired too, maybe that helped. We finished the terrible movie we were watching, then went to bed ourselves. Then, Squeaks woke up at 11 on the nose. I went in to his crib, gave him his passifier and put my hands on his little shoulders and just whispered to him. He went right back to sleep and didn't wake up again until 4am!!!!!

I was so surprised I woke up at 3 and went to check on him.

It was awesome! My positive thinking worked - or at least that's what i'm telling myself! How cool!

Going to the gym was good, I felt good afterwards, I just wish I could go when the baby wasn't awake. But, if I wait until that late, it will just mess up my schedule I think. At least I was 1lb down on the scale today.

On another note, I got one of those silly forwarded emails that talks about "getting to know your friends". I filled it out and sent it out, but one of the questions was "when you're angry, how do you vent?" I struggled with that one, but was pretty honest - I said I bottle it up and then just deal with it myself or write about it. I think this little home will help me do that too. I didn't want to say "blog about it" because then maybe my friends and family will find my blog. I wonder. But, I also said that I don't like conflict, which is really true. So, then if they do find my blog, will I think twice about what I write? Would I write just to entertain or just to spit it all out. Well, who the heck cares anyway. Whatever. If they find it, they find it. Big woop. It's not like I tell horrible stories about people here.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

I've been doing a little web-research on how to get the little munchkin to sleep through the night. After thinking about it a little bit, we are just conditioned to jump up out of bed and make a bottle at the slightest sound of the baby crying. I think tonight I am going to try a little more soothing or crying-it-out before I feed him. I mean, we fed him at about 8, even gave him some rice in the bottle, and I gave him butternut squash for dinner and a bottle before that. He woke up at 11 and we automatically fed him. Now, thinking about it, I think he just kinda woke himself up with his squirmy hands or something because it was only 11! Then, he woke up at 2, which you would think would be kindof normal.

And, on another note, I'm going to have to go to the gym tonight. Ick. I really need to get back to it. But, I just want to spend time with Squeaks! I don't get to see him very much and really want to hang out with him, but I'm really wasting this gym membership. And, I still have a few more lbs to shed before I get to pre-baby weight. Even though i've been able to fit into old pants lately which is a real ego-boost, I think i've slipped a bit this past weekend and this week. So, I'm going to go home, drop the baby off with daddy and head to the stupid gym. If I get home by 6:30, I can at least spend some time with him before he goes to bed. I haven't been to the gym since before daddy's accident.

We started watching the movie "Employee of the Month" last night. Boy, it is pretty terrible, but there were a few funny jokes here and there. Daddy likes those silly movies so I thought I'd throw one in the queue for him. I watched "3:10 to Yuma" this weekend in bits and pieces, but I really liked it. That was a fun movie, but really sad in the end.

We are planning to take Squeaks sledding this weekend! That should be some fun. I'm not sure if he'll enjoy it or not seeing as how he is only barely 6 months old, but we'll see.

I have a massage scheduled for this weekend, but I guess I'm going to have to cancel that.

This past weekend we had some fun - we went over to Sully and A's on Friday night and just hung out and had some pizza and drinks. We ended up getting home about 11 I think. Then on Saturday we went over to Val and Anthonys for a BBQ. It ended up being like 15 people at their house when originally it was just going to be the 6 of us (with kids). It was too funny. Their neighbors are people who just come over, then bring their kids, then the kids go into the jaccuzzi, then before you know it, they are grilling hamburgers and dogs for the kids, and of course, I didn't bring enough for 15 people! But, I made some marinated London Broil and it turned out wonderful! I'm definitely going to make that recipe again. Oh, then made some cinnamon rolls for the neighbors because their house is in demo mode.

Friday, February 29, 2008

So, I woke up this morning with super, duper swollen eyes. See, when I cry a good cry before I go to bed, my eyes swell up like someone punched me in my sleep. Why I was crying? Well, I attempted to really force the idea that I want to be a SAHM, but it seems "we can't do it" on his income alone. I don't understand. I mean, we only have one car payment, one rinky-dinky house and some bills here and there. We aren't really in debt, well, except for the huge student loan that seems to go on forever and ever. I really tried hard to get the point across how guilty I feel for putting the little guy into daycare, and I just started crying. I mean, one of the girls at daycare tells me stories of how they see babies first steps, but they don't want to tell the parents because then they'll be upset they missed it.

I'll be upset if I miss those first steps - that's a huge milestone! Like turning over!

I just kept crying and crying - I'm not sure if I made an impression or if I just looked like a fool. I told him I feel like a failure as a mommy for taking him to that place everyday.

But, in the end, it's still the same - business as usual.

And I'm still sad. Sad for Monday when I have to drop him off again at that place.

But happy that it's Friday and I can spend all weekend with him! Until Monday....

Thursday, February 28, 2008

So, almost every day I listen to this radio show (which shall go nameless) online - I think just to torture myself. Every caller is from a Mom of some sort with some sort of question about their significant other, or some random kiddo problems. I like to listen to the hostesses really get on the people about what they do wrong. But, she is pretty old-fashioned. She believes that women must cater to their husbands and without giving the raido show totally away, she is just very *down* on women who put their kids in daycare. So, I listen to this show, and I beat myself up every day for putting my little guy in daycare. Even though I am so *not* old-fashioned, there is a huge part of me that wants to stay home and raise my little man. I have hinted incessantly that I want to quit my job and be a SAHM, but to no avail. So, the radio host goes on and on about how crappy of a mother I am for putting my boy into daycare and how I'm just shuffling him off and someone else is raising him, but how do I just up and quit my job? Tell me!

How much money should your significant other make in order for one to be a SAHM? What do you need to cut out? What do you need to do? I mean, I'll go back to work when he goes to school, but that first day when I had to drop him off at daycare, he was only 6 weeks old! That is the minimum age that they'll take infants at daycare, and I thought that my stupid job was more important than dropping him off at a baby factory?

My mom tells me to get over it and that everyone does it and babies don't remember. But I do. And I think about it all day long until the minute I can check out of work and speed over there and pick him up.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Friday, February 22, 2008

So, I had this grand idea at lunch today that I was going to detail my pregnancy and delivery experience since I've read so many of them out there. Not necessarily that anyone wants to read it, but I think one day my baby might like to read the whole experience. And, it will be kinda cool to see in a few years after i've lost all the memories because my brain will be inundated with toddler issues like potty training and getting dirty and whatnot. But, then I got really busy and didn't have any time to start it. So, this is going to be a project for the weekend.

It's currently raining outside and that means my commute home is going to take twice as long. Bummer. I really want to be sitting in front of my fireplace with a cocktail and the two boys in my life! Soon enough...

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The dog was licking herself in the loudest possible fashion, keeping me from getting to sleep

After 45 minutes of trying to get to sleep at 3:30, I had to go pee

Alarm went off way too early at 6:40 and had a headache when I got into the shower

So, that was a fun night. I'm looking forward to a better night's sleep tonight.

I'm really not complaining though, the baby has been so good about sleeping, he's like a clock. In the beginning, we had to wake him up to eat, now he gets up twice a night. Something was off with him last night, though. He went to sleep about 7:30 and then woke up at about 8:15 in a frantic cry. Not sure why, I think he had a bad dream. Poor little guy.

Little did I know that it was a premonition for what the night would hold. For some reason I had a very hard time getting back to sleep. Maybe I'll try some Tylenol PM tonight. Or maybe a few glasses of wine while I watch Sawyer on Lost! ;)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Monday, February 18, 2008

Ok, so I slept on my shoulder/neck totally wrong last night and it is hurting like crazy today! It was kindof hard to get to work and look at all the traffic without it hurting. Luckily there weren't too many people out on the road because of the holiday.

The weekend was fun, spent lots of time with friends and yesterday we had a good family day. We just walked around an outside mall and then went out to lunch. The baby wants to watch everything! He hates being confined in his carseat these days. He is always trying to sit up in it - it is so cute! He's getting so big so fast, it's kindof crazy!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

So, I sent a huge package of newborn items to my sister-in-law this week. And you know what, it was really, really hard to send them away. There is a little part of me that really misses my baby being a little tiny baby, and sending all that stuff away makes me kindof sad. I put a little disclaimer in the box asking that they not get rid of any of the super tiny onesies or the little head holder for the carseat because i'm ready to have another one! I never thought i'd be into having kids and was really scared when I was pregnant that I wouldn't be a good Mom. But now, I cherish my little boy and am trying to be the best mom I can! I can't wait to be pregnant again and to feel those little kicks in my belly. I can't wait until that big day when we find out if it is a boy or a girl. I can't wait for more ultrasounds and more prenatal vitamins. I know, I'm kinda sick...

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Ok, so I haven't been so good about writing lately, but things have been very crazy for us lately. We went to New Hampshire to go on a long weekend fishing trip and my husband ended up with a 4-wheeler on his chest. He had to hitch a ride in the ambulance to the local hospital where he ended up with 6 broken ribs, a pneumothorax (air in his lungs), a knicked kidney and a ton of stitches in his ear. It was terrible, he was in ICU for almost 7 days. I extended my time out there for 2 extra days but then we decided it would be best for me to get the baby home and get back to my job. He is actually on short-term disability right now because he can't work. Well, he can't even get home either! He isn't allowed to fly until the 19th (that's 14 more days!). So, he is going to take a train. I've been bummed that he hasn't been here for a while, especially to help with the baby, but he needs to get well, and, he can't even pick up the baby anyway.

So, I'm still waiting to see what his plans are for traveling.

In the meantime, I'm just working and carting the baby around and taking pictures of him. I especially like this one.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

So, I started going back to the gym this week. And, lemme tell you, I am sore! Monday wasn't so bad, it actually felt good to do 35 minutes on the elliptical machine. Then I did some of those "twisty" exercises (100 each side!) and I am still sore today. I tried to get on that machine again yesterday but could only do 20 each side. I'm determined to at least get down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I have another 15 lbs to go.Brannan had his 4-month check-up yesterday. He got another round of shots too. He was not very happy with those shots. He did the usual crying at the doctors office, but once I got him off the table and hugged him, he was ok. I took him to day care and told them that he just had his shots. Ironically enough, BOTH Grandma and Pappy visited him at different times of the day at daycare. He was a little fussy and grumpy and tired. I took him home, he slept on the way home, and Daddy played with him for a while when I went to the gym. I guess he got cranky and fussy while I was gone and sort of passed out in his buzzy seat at 7.We put him to bed early and he slept off his shots - poor little guy!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Well, here we are, another Friday night. I'm not sure where Daddy is. He isn't answering his cell phone. I kinda wish he'd answer his cell phone, even if it was to tell me to leave him alone so he could have fun tonight. I just get all these worried emotions and it makes me kinda sick. Not nearly as sick as I used to get, but still, I just wish he'd check in. Well, whatever.

I've also been checking my work email - just in case something went on that I need to worry about. All of the "execs" were out for the week, so it was my duty to do the obligatory worrying for the week. I'm glad I don't have to do it all of the time - that's for sure!

So, here's a funny picture of Brannan at the little Kiwanis Park Lake. It looks like he's lounging pretty snugly. So carefree. Geez, if only we could go back to those days.

Today is Friday. Nice. I can't wait until 4:30 when i can get out of this cubicle.

Anyway, I'm finally getting over my 14-day cold. It has been terrible. It started with a head cold, then went on to a terrible coughing-only cold. Then it went back to the head cold. I woke up this morning still a little stuffy, but a little better. Seeing Brannan's smiling face this morning made the day a lot brighter. I can't wait to get home and hang out with him!

Things to do (items in red have been completed)

~ Scuba on the Great Barrier Reef
~ Go skydiving
~ Move somewhere with seasons
~ Buy a pair of "real" cowgirl boots
~ Go to NYC
~ Go to Yosemite
~ Win the lottery
~ Make homemade tamales
~ Start a restaurant on wheels
~ Get good at yoga
~ Eat a genuine lobster roll in Maine
~ Make maple syrup in New Hampshire
~ Go ice fishing (for real this time - last time was a supreme bust)
~ Eat at French Laundry or Per Se
~ Forage for mushrooms in France
~ Climb Devil's Tower ~ Scuba dive in Belize ~ Drive the Al-Can ~ See the Northern Lights ~ Get married ~ Have a baby ~ See U2 in concert

About Me

I'm a 33-year-old, new Mom to a gorgeous baby boy named Brannan. I've been married to a super-cool guy for over 4 years. We live in a nice little house. He works and I work and we try to do fun things on the weekends. We love to go to the zoo with the baby. We also love to go camping and take road trips out of town. We try to get out of town as much as possible. We also like hanging out with our friends.
I'm eternally searching how to become a SAHM and read SAHM blogs incessantly. I'm hoping my fairy godmother will bop me on the head one day and say "wish granted"!
Oh, and I'd like to move to a different city, too.
(Update to this - My wish got GRANTED!!!! I am now a SAHM and I am sooooooo soooooo soooooo happy! Words cannot even describe how happy I am! I am borrowing a quote from a very COOL lady I met and saying that I got the "Employee Karma"!!! I worked for so long busting my ass, and now I get to be with my baby! How cool is that???